Do you believe in miracles?

Do you believe in miracles? In his new book, Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe, Max Lucado stirs in lessons of hope, trust, and grace into a story that is sure to warm your heart.

Chelsea Chambers is determined to make a better life for her and her two children. She and her kids have recently returned to her childhood home in San Antonio, TX to reopen the coffee shop that has been in her family for generations. After learning about her famous NFL husband Sawyer’s indiscretions, this appears to be the perfect opportunity for Chelsea to start over and forget the past. Besides being angry wither her husband, we also learn she has unresolved issues with her father. All of the hurt and disappointment Chelsea has endured has left her a little lacking in the faith department.

Chelsea soon finds out it’s not easy to run a coffee shop in today’s market. Her only employee quits on her and with only a hand full of customers, and a ginormous over due bill from the IRS, she is in need of a big miracle. But, she isn’t willing to ask for help. Especially from God. So with no hope in sight Chelsea considers selling the cafe.

Thankfully, God has surrounded Chelsea with family and friends who are willing to ask on her behalf. God hears their prayers and sends a guardian angel named Samuel (AKA Manny) to help her out in the shop. Not long after Manny has settled into his new role in the shop, two people show up to install a router completely for free in the cafe. Chelsea is unsure at first, but after they tell her there is absolutely no cost to her she agrees to let them install it.

This is when things start to get exciting at the cafe. The next morning Chelsea awakens to dozens of people waiting outside to get into the cafe to log onto the “God Blog.” A blog that claims you can ask God anything you want, and get an answer. And it’s coming from the new router in the cafe. Chelsea is skeptical, but decides to go with the flow and keep the shop open for the time being.

Will the cafe be saved? Will Chelsea ever reach out to God and ask for help? What will happen between Sawyer and Chelsea? Will she forgive him? Will she talk to her father? You will have to read the book to find out. 🙂

Overall I enjoyed the book. Even though the book tackles tough issues like divorce and infidelity, it does so in a way that isn’t depressing. I think if you are looking for a good book to read over the summer, this one is perfect to take along to the beach or pool. It’s a great summer read.

The discussion questions at the end are a nice touch. I was pleasantly surprised by them. This added bonus makes the book great for a lady’s book club, small group, or bible study. I imagine they would create good conversation.

Sample Discussion Question: “In the story, Samuel is Chelsea’s guardian angel. Do you believe in the possibility of a guardian angel? If so, what do you imagine your guardian angel doing to impact your life?”

This leads me to the only problem I had with the book. At times I felt the story implied we all have a personal guardian angel. I’m not so sure we do. In the bible God uses his angels to carry out missions, to speak to us, and to help us, but I don’t think it implies we all have one that is specifically assigned to us. What do you think?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.